Warrenspiece: Andrew Hammond waiting for Senators' next move

“It’s completely out of my hands,” he said. “I can’t worry about it too much. I’m aware of what’s going on and what could have happened, but I took the approach of just preparing myself to be an NHL goalie, wherever that may be.”

Because of the extra bodies at Ottawa Senators training camp, goaltender Andrew Hammond was bumped to the penalty box from the bench as he watched the action during Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage.

It was a fitting spot, considering the Hamburglar is still around the team he led on a historic run to the 2015 National Hockey League playoffs, but unsure whether he’ll ever again figure into the organization’s plans.

“It’s completely out of my hands,” he said. “I can’t worry about it too much. I’m aware of what’s going on and what could have happened, but I took the approach of just preparing myself to be an NHL goalie, wherever that may be.”

If not for hip, groin and ankle injuries — Hammond finally feels like himself following hip surgery to repair the chronic problem — he could have played a significant role last season while No. 1 netminder Craig Anderson was with his wife, Nicholle, during her cancer fight. Hammond still has one year and $1.5 million remaining on his contract.

Now, though, the depth chart looks different. Anderson and Mike Condon, acquired when Hammond couldn’t play through the pain last October, are expected to start the 2017-18 season as the Senators netminding tandem.

Veteran Danny Taylor, Chris Driedger and promising prospect Marcus Hogberg will fight for playing time with Belleville of the American Hockey League and/or the ECHL.

Hammond, who has been exposed on waivers and offered up for trade, is the odd man out.

He acknowledges bouts of frustration at losing his spot because of injury, but he also understands the nature of the game and how quickly life can change.

“You look all around the league and it happens very quickly,” Hammond said. “I was happy for Mike (Condon). People might not think that, but, (at the start) of last year, he was basically in the same position as me. I’m good friends with Jimmy Howard (of the Detroit Red Wings). He was in limbo last summer and now he’s the starter. You have to put your best foot forward every day.”

Max McCormick warms up before a Binghamton Senators AHL game in Ottawa last season. Wayne Cuddington/PostmediaWayne Cuddington /
Postmedia

MCCORMICK EYES FOURTH-LINE SPOT

Of all the Senators summer signings, Max McCormick’s two-year deal was among the most intriguing. While he’s on a two-way contract for 2017-18, ($650,000 if he plays in the NHL, $200,000 if he’s in Belleville), he has a guaranteed $650,000 for 2018-19. “It doesn’t necessarily change my mindset, but it definitely gives me some confidence, knowing that they believe in me, and see me making the step here,” said McCormick, who has scored two goals in 27 NHL games over the past two seasons.

Being asked to play on a line with veteran NHL players Nate Thompson and Tom Pyatt on the opening two days of camp also provides another shot of confidence.

“It’s definitely a positive and if you play with guys like that, you have to take advantage of it,” McCormick said.

THIS AND THAT

Winger Ryan Dzingel missed Saturday’s workout because of a pulled groin, but it’s not considered serious. “He should be back by the end of the week,” head coach Guy Boucher said … Forward Nick Paul was walking without a crutch Saturday, a sign of progress after injuring his left ankle Thursday … Defenceman Christian Jaros continued to impress. He was rock solid in his own end throughout Saturday’s scrimmage — management received a scare when his elbow caught Colin White in the face — and one-timed a slap shot for a goal … Chris DiDomenico received a punishing reminder to not put his head down when Mark Borowiecki is on the ice, ending up on his rear from a check.

FAN FEST SUNDAY

Got a question for Erik Karlsson? Want to find out details about season tickets? Aiming to check out the club’s prospects before Monday’s pre-season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs? Interested in which Senators player is best at trivia? It’s all part of the schedule as the Senators open the doors to fans, beginning Sunday at 9 a.m. at Canadian Tire Centre.

A full instrasquad scrimmage at 11:15 will be sandwiched around practices for Team Red and Team White, the training-camp working groups.

Captain Erik Karlsson will take questions from the crowd at 12:15 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., Condon, Derick Brassard and Fredrik Claesson will be available for a media conference where only children can ask questions.

There will also be opportunities for fans to obtain autographs from players.

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